history & heritage of cumbria (continued)...
...reminders of the Roman Empire to numerous castles which hark back to medieval times. The region is rich with heritage, including fabulous stately homes and castles. Built around 1092, Carlisle Castle has withstood many conflicts and held some famous prisoners, such as Mary Queen of Scots. Muncaster Castle is another celebrated castle and reputedly one of the most haunted buildings in England.
Meanwhile, the intriguing Rum Story museum is a highlight of Whitehaven, a coastal town famous for its Georgian architecture. Dalemain, near Penrith is a good example of a working English country house, while Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness was one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. One particular feature to the region is the Pele Tower, a type of defensive structure built during the the struggles between the English and Scots in the 14th Century. Over the years, Pele Towers have been incorporated into larger buildings such as Hutton-in-the-Forest near Penrith, and the National trust's Sizergh Castle near Kendal, extended in Elizabethan times.
An inspiration for the arts
For the Lakes poets, including Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey, the Lakeland landscape provided inspiration for literary masterpieces. Wordsworth's family homes, Dove Cottage in Grasmere and Rydal Mount, have been restored and are open to visitors, as is his childhood home in Cockermouth, Wordsworth House. You can also visit the houses of the famous children's writer Beatrix Potter (including Hill Top) and see the locations upon which she based her famous children's books.
The Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 1800s and 1900s was inspired by the writings of John Ruskin, whose stunningly restored home Brantwood on the shores of Coniston Water, is just another example of a great historic house. Blackwell, overlooking Windermere, is one of the most important Arts and Crafts houses in England. Designed by prominent architect M H Baillie Scott, today this is the only example of his work open to the public.
